ADD / ADHD - Ottawa Holistic Wellness · Unlike medication, these approaches have zero side effects...

ADD / ADHD Diagnosing, Understanding and treating!

Ottawa Holistic Wellness

356 MacLaren St, Ottawa ottawaholisticwellness.ca 613-230-0998 �1

http://www.ottawaholisticwellness.ca

INTRODUCTION …………………………..……………………………………………….

CHAPTER 1 : Is Your Child Escaping? …………………………………………………….

CHAPTER 2 : 6 Things That May Impact ADD and ADHD …………………………………

CHAPTER 3 : 7 Ways You Can Reduce Symptoms ………………………………………..

CHAPTER 4 : Mindfulness for Children with ADD/ ADHD ………………………………..

CHAPTER 5 : Drugs, Diet and Naturopathic Medicine ……………………………………

CHAPTER 6 : ADD and ADHD: Releasing Trauma That is Holding You Back ……………..

CHAPTER 7 : ADD, ADHD and Primitive Reflexes ………………………………………..

CHAPTER 8 : Prenatal and Birth Trauma in Relation to ADD and ADHD …………………

CHAPTER 9 : Can Acupuncture Help With ADD/ ADHD? ………………………………….


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INTRODUCION

It seems there is a pending epidemic of ADD and ADHD, with multitudes of adults, youth and

children being diagnosed.

Children are being given medications at a younger and younger age. These do help control

symptoms, improve behaviour and performance, but of course they also have side effects.

We look at some of the potential reasons for this explosion in numbers, and ways in which

you can reduce or even eliminate the symptoms for yourself and your children.



CHAPTER 1

IS YOUR CHILD ESCAPING?

ADD, ADHD? Or is your child simply escaping reality?

Recently I treated a 13 yr old boy, who has the inner

wisdom of Ghandi.

His mother was concerned for his apparent lack of

focus at school, and how his self-esteem was so

greatly affected by his low marks.

He was bullied and, having a genuine sense of caring

for those kids who would be blamed, he believed that

he needed to accept the responsibility of fault in the

schoolyard as well as at home.

In sessions we discussed how he saw his inner warrior. He realized that when he felt weak or

powerless his inner warrior had retreated to the ‘head in the clouds’ place, and as a result,

he was left with a feeling of defeat and surrender.

Finding The Inner Warrior

When I asked him to describe his warrior his response left me speechless.

This is indeed a moment in my practice when I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, how very

much I love what I do!

This young sage went on to describe a Samurai warrior. He held a golden sword with a

dragon etched in to the blade.

He said that when he swung the sword that it moved in an empowering way, not a destructive

way, and it was in the name of justice, courage and strength.

Ultimately he said…it was in the name of Love.

When I suggested that this young man might call his warrior home, to be present, he lit up

with the knowing that that is what he needed to do.

As it is with so many kids I treat, I can see the pattern of the "head in the clouds" and lack of focus as being a result of not wanting to be 'present' here in reality.



A Place To Escape

Some kids have anxiety around performance, where others long for escape from the

classroom due to lack of interest or boredom.

Through my work with these kids, I can see that they often, literally, make a choice to leave

their bodies and connect with their ‘head in the clouds’ place of retreat.

As a result they may appear to be daydreaming or in a fog. This can cause a sense of not

belonging for these kids and can result in low self esteem, a sense of guilt, shame and self

blame for their lack of achievement.

By making these kids aware of the importance of breathing and other tools I share with these

kids I teach them that they can make a conscious choice to be fully present, as opposed to

‘checking out’ to the cloud zone.

They soon realize that in doing so their marks improve and they find a greater sense of

wellbeing. Ultimately they gain a sense of feeling grounded and can see that being present is

a very cool place to be!

One young man was very aware of his head in the clouds place and described a sense of

flying out of his body. His parents had recently separated, causing a lot of stress at home, so

it was a happier place for him to be.



When he realized he could bring this fun cloud place here in the present moment he was

more in control of his emotions and his anger reduced, and his focus and performance at

school improved dramatically.

Where children, young people, and even adults are showing signs of ADD or ADHD I always

recommend looking at reasons why they might be making that choice, conscious or

subconscious to simply not be here in the present.

Finding Ourselves

I truly believe that we are on an exciting pathway and each step we take, each career we

move into, every relationship, every experience leads us even deeper into the understanding

of who we truly are!

The steps are the building blocks of the 'now', and the 'now' is where we begin to blossom

into our unique selves!

Want to know more, or discuss whether you or your child are simply ‘checking out’?

Book a free meet and greet with me today.


To find out more about your health and how we can help you, come for a complementary,

no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced health coaches.

BOOK NOW

About the Author

Deborra Cameron has a nursing background, and for over

20 years, has been using clinical Reflexology and

EmotionalBlueprint Counselling to help her clients

experience relief from chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia,

digestive issues, migraines, and many more symptoms as

well as achieving relief from paralyzing emotions.

https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=137143&stype=-9&sTG=7&sView=day&sLoc=0



CHAPTER 2

6 THINGS THAT MAY IMPACT ADD / ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or

(ADHD) signs include inattention, hyperactivity and

acting impulsively. The condition affects 5.3% of

people under 18yrs, and two-thirds of those

diagnosed continue to endure symptoms as adults.

(1) About 6% of American adults report ADHD

symptoms.

Medications

The conventional approach for treating ADHD is to prescribe stimulant type medications such

as Ritalin. These medications in the short term help to contain symptoms and have also been

shown to reduce the risk of road traffic accidents and suicide in teenagers. (2)

The long-term benefits and side-effects of medication, however, are in question.

In a 2017 study that followed more than 500 children with ADHD into adulthood, continued

use of drugs was associated with repressed adult height but not with lessened symptoms of

ADHD. (3)

An earlier 2016 study found that children who take medication for ADHD (ADHD) show

decreased bone density. (4)

Medications have their place in controlling acute symptoms of ADHD; however, they in no

way tackle the underlying root cause of the condition.


https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170216105919.htm




So what is the root cause of ADHD?

Like any other complex condition, the cause of ADHD is multifactorial. I see this every day in

my practice, and it is reflected in the most recent scientific research.

If you or one of your children have ADHD below is a summary of simple things that

researchers have found you can impact your symptoms.

Exercise is Medicine

Exercise can help adults better cope with ADHD symptoms.

A 2016 study published by researchers at the University of Georgia found that after a single

bout of exercise subjects had fewer feelings of confusion and more motivation to carry out

tasks. (5)

An earlier study published in 2005 found that strenuous exercise can significantly improve

problem behaviours such as restlessness, impulsivity and hyperactivity. (6)

Food is Information

The food we eat is information for our genes. We all have genes that predispose us to

develop certain conditions. If we eat food that is seen as unhealthy by our bodies, then this is

going to trigger our genes.

A 2010 study published by researchers in Australia found an association between a

"Western-style diet" and ADHD in teenagers. (7) On the flip side eating a healthy diet can turn

off our genes.

In a 2017 study published by researchers at the University of Barcelona children eating a

"Mediterranean-style" diet were less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.

A Mediterranean diet is high in omega three fats. In a 2014 study published by researchers at

the University of Gothenburg found omega three supplements can help children and

adolescents who have ADHD. (8)



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Mindfulness

Mindfulness is about being present.

Many children, teenagers and even adults appear to be permanently connected to

technology. Recent research has highlighted both the negative effects of technology and the

benefits of reducing screen time for people with ADHD.

In a 2016 study published by the University of Bergen, researchers found that young men are

at risk of being addicted to video games. The addiction appears to indicate an escape from

ADHD. (9)

In a 2016 study published by the University of America, researchers found that adolescents

with ADHD follow a less healthy lifestyle than teens without ADHD. The researchers

suggested that ADHD teens may profit from improving lifestyle choices such as increasing

water consumption, decreasing screen time and getting at least one hour of physical activity

per day. (10)

Nature is Medicine

Spending time in nature can make anyone feel better, and this is also true for people with

ADHD.

A 2011 study published by researchers at the University of Illinois of more than 400 children

diagnosed with ADHD found a link between the children's routine play environment and the

severity of their symptoms. The researchers observed that those children who regularly play

in outdoor settings with lots of grass and trees have milder ADHD symptoms than those who

play indoors or in built-up outdoor environments. (11)

Environmental Triggers

Exposure to toxic chemicals has been linked with ADHD in children.

In a 2015 study published by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre researchers found

an association between a commonly used household pesticide with ADHD in children and

young teens. The association was stronger in boys than in girls. (12) In a 2010 study



https://www.sciencedaily.com/rele



published by the Association for Psychological Science researchers found an association

between lead exposure and ADHD in children. (13)

Emotional Trauma

Past emotional trauma, just like environmental triggers, has been linked with ADHD.

In a 2016 study researchers found children who experience family and environmental

stressors, and traumatic experiences, such as poverty, mental illness and exposure to

violence, are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. (14)

CONCLUSION

Although this summary of recent research looking at the causes and treatment of ADHD is

not exhaustive, it does highlight some different and exciting possibilities over and above

medication.

Unlike medication, these approaches have zero side effects and are more concerned with

treating the root cause of the condition.

If you want to discuss how your diet and lifestyle could be impacting your ADD / ADHD book

an appointment with me today.




BOOK NOW

About the Author

Dominick Hussey, Functional Medicine and Osteopathic Manual Practitioner,

combines osteopathy, functional medicine with nutrition and lifestyle

counselling in his practice, and strongly believes that healing is a process in

which the patient must take an active role.

He has become disillusioned with modern approaches which simply provide

a band-aid approach to mask and temporarily relieve symptoms. His

passion is in determining the real, underlying cause for those symptoms

and in so doing to bring about true, deep, lasting healing.






CHAPTER 3

ADD/ ADHD: 7 WAYS YOU CAN REDUCE SYMPTOMS

As we all know, there seems to currently be a pending epidemic of ADD and ADHD, with

more and more adults, children and youth being diagnosed with the disorder.

The symptoms of attention deficit, impulsiveness and restlessness can severely impact every

day life, and the ability to focus and to achieve whether at work or school.

The medical profession has few answers beyond medication so I would like to offer some

simple ways in which you can help to reduce or even resolve your symptoms.

1. Increase exercise

It has been shown that incorporating exercise into your everyday routine can significantly

reduce symptoms.

I remember reading many years ago about Daly Thompson. He was an Olympic medalist in

the decathlon in the 1980s. He was unable to focus at school and was doing really badly

academically until he was sent to a special school for ‘Troubled Children”.

The school was unique in that it provided several hours of phys-ed classes every afternoon.

His grades improved dramatically and he commented that it was such a relief to be able to

MOVE instead of being tied to a desk all day.



2. Address Food Allergies and Intolerances

As a natural allergist I see many people, especially children, who’s ADD / ADHD is being

triggered, at least in part, by what they are eating.

The common allergens I see are wheat, milk, nightshade vegetables (in particular tomato,

bell peppers, potato), food additives / colours. It is possible however, to react to any food that

you are eating.

I had one memorable case where the mother complained that her 2 year old was sleeping

only a couple of hours a night, was a nightmare to handle during the day, being aggressive

and confrontational. She was exhausted. Following removal of milk products and potatoes

from his diet he started sleeping 9 hours per night and became much better behaved during

the day.

3. Nutrition and Real Food

“We are what we eat”

Nothing could be more true..

Changing the diet to include more fresh

vegetables, fewer sugars (processed grains,

fruits, potato, candies etc) and little processed

foods can have a big impact on ADD / ADHD

symptoms. It also helps to ensure good

nutrition.

Supplementing the diet with Vit D, Vit B12

(fish, poultry, meat, eggs) and B6 (beef,

poultry, organ meats), Omega 3 oils (fish / chia

/ flax / hemp etc), and zinc (nuts, beans, red

meat, seafood) can also be beneficial.

It has also been shown to be helpful to eat

more protein, especially at breakfast and

lunch.

Talk to your naturopathic or functional

medicine doctor or holistic nutritionist about

the right nutrition for you or your child.



4. Mindfulness

This is about being able to be present in the here and now.

Even small children can benefit from mindfulness. It can be as simple as asking them to

describe what they hear, smell or see at that moment, or what the food they are eating

tastes / feels / smells / looks like, allowing them to connect.

For older youngsters and adults yoga and developing a meditation practice can be helpful.

5. Disconnecting and Unplugging

We all spend far too much time in front of screens, whether for work, school, or gaming and

staying in touch with our friends and family…

In addition to the addictive nature of these devices and the fact that it removes us from reality,

very electronic device emits its own frequency, whether the TV, computer screen, laptop,

gaming console, etc. Even after they are turned off they continue to emit for upwards of an

hour. Reducing screen time has been shown to assist with ADD / ADHD symptoms so try to

build in other activities and games that do not require screen time.

6. Chemicals and Toxins

When choosing household cleaning products, body products, shampoos etc select those

which are natural and unscented.

Consider seeking advice from your naturopathic or functional medicine doctor regarding the

possibility of heavy metal toxicity such as mercury and lead and the ways that this can be

resolved.



And finally…

7. Get out in Nature!

Getting regular outdoor time has been shown to be extremely beneficial to those with ADD /

ADHD.

I hope these suggestions assist you in controlling your ADD / ADD symptoms.

If you have any questions or simply want to know more contact me today.




BOOK NOW

About the Author

Sue Taylor is co-founder and Clinic Director at Ottawa

HolisticWellness. She works as a Natural Allergist and Energy

Healer. Her passion is to work with clients to find the root

cause of their health concerns, then offering ways in which to

resolve these causes. She will support you through any

necessary changes and help you to regain your life!




CHAPTER 4

MINDFULNESS FOR CHILDREN WITH

ADD / ADHD

Three easy mindfulness activities for you and your kids!

Mindfulness is the practice of focusing attention on the present moment in an intentional and

accepting way. It is a great antidote to the way many of us live on automatic pilot as well as

our search for constant distractions when the stress of life is overwhelming.

Early research on introducing mindfulness techniques with kids has shown that they are

effective with specific instructions, for a short-time period, and with dialogue about what the

child is experiencing in the moment.



Here are three simple activities that you can do with your child to introduce a

little bit of mindfulness into your lives:

1. Mindful Eating

While sitting at a meal together, invite your child to take a

moment to play a game of discovery with you.

Ask your child to choose one thing on their plate to

examine. Suggest that they spend a few seconds really

looking at it. What do they see? Ask them to smell the

food. What do they notice? Ask them place the food

against their lips. What do they feel?

When they finally put the food in their mouth, request that they take a moment without

chewing. What do they taste? Lastly, ask them to chew slowly and count how many bites they

can take before swallowing the food.

2. Mindful Listening

Stand in a park, your back yard or anywhere else where you can hear a variety of sounds.

Suggest to your child that you play a game.

Ask them to stand still, without making any noise, so they can really listen for different

sounds. Depending on the age of your child, you might suggest that they tell you what they

can hear or you can offer a suggestion like “Do you hear the wind in the trees?”.

After they have spent some time listening, you can ask them which sound they think is

closest and which sound they think is the furthest away.

3. Mindful Breathing

A very simple way to include a mindfulness exercise into your child’s life is when they are

giving you a hug.

This technique could especially be useful when a child is upset and needs some extra

support to calm down.



As you hold your child in an embrace, take three slow deep belly breaths yourself. A useful

way to ensure your breath is deep and slow is to inhale through your nose for a count of

seven, hold for a count of four and exhale through your mouth for a count of eight.

You may also want to introduce the concept of counting breath to your child. Modify to a

count of four for inhaling, holding and exhaling if the seven to four and eight breath count is

too difficult for them.

I hope that these three simple activities will add stillness and calm into your children's lives

and yours.

Book a free 20 minute consultation to learn more about mindfulness and how it can help with

ADD / ADHD as well as its many other benefits.




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About the Author

Sofia is a professional member of the Canadian Counselling

and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and in the application

process to become a Registered Psychotherapist with the

College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

She believes in the transformational impact of psychotherapy

and has seen remarkable changes in the lives of her clients.




CHAPTER 5

DRUGS, DIET, AND NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

I recently watched a standup comedy special starring Norm MacDonald. He was commenting

on his childhood, and how all he wanted to do while sitting in a classroom was to go outside

and play with a big tree branch.

He then wondered about hyperactive kids today and their feelings about being stuck in a

classroom with the addition of authority figures yelling, “Now we’re going to drug you.”

While this commentary is an oversimplification of the plight of modern kids, it does raise the

question of whether or not medications are the only option when dealing with attention deficit

hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Diagnosis

It is estimated that 5% of all Canadian children ages 3 to 9 fit the criteria for a diagnosis of

ADHD. (1) Boys are more commonly affected. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, in

both the classroom and at home, are the main symptoms of ADHD.

The recent changes to the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)

now include details to help doctors identify ADHD in adults, and changes the previous age

cutoff in children from 7 to 12 years old. (2) It is important to not jump to a hasty diagnosis of

ADHD, as there are many other disorders that mimic it.



Autism and ADD / ADHD

Children who are on the autism spectrum often suffer from ADHD.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is often mistaken for ADHD. In ODD, children display

angry and irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behaviour, or vindictiveness for at least 6

months. Children and adults with ODD will direct their anger towards at least one person who

is not a sibling, and will have significant problems at work, in the classroom, or at home. (3)

While children with ODD are more likely to also have a learning disability, the important issue

here is to receive a thorough workup and diagnosis from a trained psychologist. An accurate

diagnosis will ensure that appropriate treatment is provided for you or your child.

Conventional Treatment

The American Academy of Paediatrics

recommends that preschool children with

ADHD receive behavioural therapy as a first

line treatment.

In school children with ADHD, stimulant

medications like methylphenidate (aka Ritalin)

and atomoxetine are considered first line

treatment. (4) Common side effects of these medications include reduced appetite and weight

loss, problems sleeping, and stunted growth. Long-term use of methylphenidate can also

lead to depletion of zinc in children with ADHD. (5)

When supplemented with zinc + methylphenidate, children with ADHD in a 2004 study

improved in teacher and parent rating scales compared to children taking placebo +

methylphenidate. (6)

Diet and Allergies

In a 2016 a retrospective study of around 4200 children in the Netherlands, researchers

found that children with ADHD were more likely to be medicated for asthma, seasonal

allergies, and eczema.



Furthermore, ADHD was deemed to be more common in children whose parents were taking

medications for asthma and seasonal allergies. (7)

In 2015, a systematic review of hypoallergenic diets for children with ADHD found a small but

significant improvement in symptom severity. (8) Another 2015 study showed that

supplementing fish oil into children’s diets for 16 weeks brought down both inflammatory

markers and ADHD symptom severity. (9)

SUMMARY

The reality of ADHD is that some people require medication to control their symptoms. A

variety of naturopathic interventions can target the side effects of commonly prescribed

ADHD medications, ADHD symptoms, and conditions commonly found alongside ADD /

ADHD like allergies and digestive concerns.

Speak with your Naturopathic Doctor to find out which interventions are best suited for you or

your child.




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About the Author

Dr. Eric Viegas has an undergraduate degree in Health

Sciences from The University of Western Ontario and has

also completed doctorate equivalency from The Canadian

College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). He spent his

years of study at CCNM devoted to acupuncture, botanical

medicine, nutrition, homoeopathy, physical medicine, and

counselling.




Drugs, Diet, and Naturopathic Medicine References:

1. Brault MC, Lacourse E. Prevalence of prescribed ADHD medications and diagnosis

among Canadian preschoolers and school-aged children: 1994-2007. Cdn J

Psychiatry 2012; 57:93-101.

2. http://www.icd10data.com/ICD10CM/Codes/F01-F99/F90-F98/F90-/F90.9. Accessed

June 17, 2017.

3. http://www.icd10data.com/ICD10CM/Codes/F01-F99/F90-F98/F91-/F91.3. Accessed

June 17, 2017.

4. ADHD: Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of ADHD

in children and adolescents. American Academy of Pediatrics 2011.

5. Viktorinova A, et al. Changed plasma levels of zinc and copper to zinc ratio and their

possible associations with parent-and-teacher-rated symptoms in children with ADHD.

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2016; 169(1):1-7.

6. Akhonzadeh S., et al. Zinc sulfate as an adjunct to methylphenidate for the treatment

of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children: a double blind and randomized

trial. BMC Psychiatry 2004; 4: 1-6.

7. Van der Schans J, et al. Association between medication prescription for atopic

diseases and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol

2016.

8. Heilskov Rytter MJ et al. Diet in the treatment of ADHD in children: a systematic review

of the literature. Nord J Psychiatry 2015;69(1): 1-18.

9. Bos DJ, et al. Reduced symptoms of inattention after dietary omega-3 fatty acid

supplementation in boys with and without ADHD. Neuropsychopharm 2015; 40(10):

2298-2306.


http://www.icd10data.com/ICD10CM/Codes/F01-F99/F90-F98/F90-/F90.9

http://www.icd10data.com/ICD10CM/Codes/F01-F99/F90-F98/F91-/F91.3


CHAPTER 6

ADD / ADHD: HEALING THE NEED TO ESCAPE REALITY

Learn To LOVE being in the HERE and NOW!

Many times in my practice I have seen people who have experienced trauma in their lives.

The body will hold on to these traumas even when we have worked through the events on a

conscious level. It could be said that we learn to box up the emotions and bury them away

where we don’t have to look at them.

However, these emotions are still there, and at some point it is wise to release them as they

can impact our quality of life. I liken it to a box of garbage rotting away, it needs to be cleaned

out.

Choosing Not To Be ‘Here’

In cases of PTSD, it is common to disassociate, or completely tune out of this reality. The

trigger may be a word, a smell, a sound or a location. By ‘going off’ to another place the

sufferer is avoiding the pain of being here. It is not a conscious choice, but happens on an

instinctive level.

I have seen this survival mechanism being

used by many of my clients to a lesser or

greater degree. Some have PTSD, for others it

may be abuse as a child or adult (physical,

sexual or emotional), bullying at school, parents

who fight all the time or any number of other

painful / scary events / situations.



I have also witnessed it in the gifted child / student who is simply bored with the classes and

mentally goes elsewhere to create their own fun.

This will manifest as a lack of attention, daydreaming, a physical need to move as they can

feel trapped in the situation, and also aggression if they are forced to remain here and be

present.

It is just too painful for them.

Releasing The Trauma With Energy Healing

It is important to remember that this opting out is not a conscious choice, however, we can

work to bring an awareness of when it happens and use the conscious mind to reinforce the

fact that it IS safe to be present.

We respect the fact that this opting out has been a valuable survival mechanism and has

probably served the person well, but that it is no longer needed.

In addition, working with the body to release those trapped emotions and bring a sense of

safety and calm is very effective.

Energy Healing does not require that we revisit the events or trauma, in fact, some believe

that by doing so we merely retraumatise the person.

It is a gentle approach, the healer working to facilitate you in releasing whatever is no longer

needed.

We acknowledge the emotions that are present and work to release them, connecting with

that part of you that is still in fear, and bring a sense of safety, love and calm.



I have seen some amazing results.

One notable client came to me seeking help with her ADD.

She had struggled at school, labelled at a young age as having ADD, and being put on meds

that really did not help. As a teenager it came to light that she actually had severe PTSD

triggered by repeated childhood abuse.

When I saw her as a young adult, she had frequent episodes of disassociation, where she

completely tuned out of being present, which were impacting all aspects of her life. We

worked through a number of sessions, she released a lot of fear and grief, often crying during

the session.

Gradually her episodes of disassociation have reduced and she finds that she is less reactive

to everyday events.

Energy healing can be an important part of resolving issues such as ADD / ADHD. Book now

and find out how I can help you.




BOOK NOW

About the Author

Sue Taylor is co-founder and Clinic Director at Ottawa

HolisticWellness. She works as a Natural Allergist and Energy

Healer. Her passion is to work with clients to find the root

cause of their health concerns, then offering ways in which to

resolve these causes. She will support you through any

necessary changes and help you to regain your life!




CHAPTER 7

ADHD AND PRIMITIVE REFLEXES

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is

characterized by symptoms including

inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive

behaviour. These symptoms are associated

with learning, behavioural and emotional

problems. ADHD affects mostly children and

some adults.

Symptoms:

Inattention- An individual who: wanders off task, lacks persistence, has difficulty sustaining

focus, and is disorganized. These problems are not due to defiance or lack of

comprehension.

Hyperactivity- An individual who seems to move about constantly, even in situations where

this behaviour is not appropriate. For example: excessively fidgets, taps, or talks. In adults, it

may be extreme restlessness or need for constant activity.

Impulsivity- An individual who can be reckless and appear impatient, and often disinhibited

in social situations. They may find it difficult to wait, intruding on or interrupting others’

activities and blurting out answers to a question before it has been completed.

Primitive reflexes are automatic stereotypic movements directed from the brainstem. They

are needed for survival and development in the womb and in the early months of life. As a

child transitions normally into adulthood these reflexes disappear due to the development of

the frontal lobes.



Rhythmic Movement Training

Rhythmic movements are gentle rocking and

reflex integration movements that stimulate neural

pathways and promote learning, emotional

development, balance and ease of movement.

Massage Therapy with a an RMT is an effective

way to help with symptoms of ADD/ADHD, learning

challenges, autism and behavioural/ emotional

imbalances without the use of drugs.

The Osteopathic Approach

Osteopathic treatment is a precise, gentle and restorative manipulative therapy that may

assist with ADD/ADHD.

For best results, osteopathic treatment should be carried out at as young an age as possible,

while the body is still very malleable and active growth can be influenced, and thus symptoms

can be greatly improved. The younger the child, the quicker birth stresses may be resolved

with treatment.

Book a free meet and greet with an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner to find out how they can

help.




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About the Author

Carl Teychene-Coutet is a French trained osteopathic

manual practitioner. He is passionate about his work

and seeks to provide holistic treatment that addresses

each client’s unique needs.




CHAPTER 8

PRENATAL AND BIRTH TRAUMA IN RELATION TO ADD AND ADHD

Do ADD and ADHD relate to prenatal and birth trauma?

ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder

ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Disorder

Possible causes of ADD/ADHD may include allergies or sensitivities to foods or the

environment (chemicals, perfumes, moulds, additives, milk, wheat etc.), a susceptibility to

neurodevelopment toxins (pesticides, heavy metals, plastic etc.) or a traumatic birth.

The 3 main symptoms of ADD / ADHD

1. Attention deficit:

We could describe this as a limited ability to concentrate. The child is usually easily distracted

and it will be difficult to get more than a few minutes of attention.

2. Hyperactivity:

Continuous motor restlessness. The child does not have the ability to control his or her

movements and needs to move all the time.

3. Impulsiveness:

This can be on two different levels: speech and motor. The child may have some difficulties in

speaking or in completing a sentence. Speech therapy is very useful.



Treatments

There are a range of therapies available, which are very complementary to one

another, that can help your child. These include the following:

Speech therapy

Training to help people with speech and language problems to speak more clearly.

Psychotherapy

There are those who specialize in children and young people, working with the specific issues

related to ADD / ADHD

Cranial Osteopathy and CranioSacral Therapy

Difficulties during gestation (prenatal), problems related to labour and/or delivery, may all

compromise the different structures in the head and/or in the spine. They create some trigger

points or tensions on the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (the meninges).

These tensions cause pressure and stimulation of specific areas in the brain and can be

linked to behaviour or concentration issues.

In addition, a c-section birth means that the child has been born without experiencing the

stress of a natural birth and certain reflexes and processes are not stimulated/ turned on.

How is it possible to affect the skull after birth?

The bones in the skull of a new born are not fused. The head needs to be able to distort

during a passage through the birth canal and then to grow and expand allowing for the brain

to grow.

The skull is not completely formed until 9-18months after birth.

Development of the brain can be impacted if there are restrictions due to tensions in the

meninges and bones of the skull.



When is it best to bring my child to be treated?

The younger your child is, the more effective this treatment will be; however, the osteopath

and Craniosacral therapist can still bring improvements in toddlers. They will work with

children as young as a few days old. Early treatment is very beneficial to make sure that

there is no physical stress or strain within the body that could cause any restrictions to the

growth and development of the brain.

Find out more by talking to your Osteopath or Craniosacral Therapist.




BOOK NOW

About the Author

Justine studied osteopathy in France and worked in a

private practice. She has studied many techniques

including structural, muscle energy, functional, fascial,

craniosacral therapy and Jones counterstrain techniques.

Justine’s experiences ranges from babies to the elderly,

people with disabilities and athletes.




CHAPTER 9

CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP WITH ADD/ ADHD?

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention

deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are so

prevalent in society these days that an

introduction is barely necessary.

These related disorders are categorized by

symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity,

impulsiveness and incompletion of tasks due to

boredom. Trouble sleeping, planning and

regulating emotions are also symptoms that

may accompany ADD or ADHD.

What causes ADD/ADHD?

Some researchers have found that pesticides, food allergies and heavy metal toxicity

combined with the right genes as contributing factors to the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.

A deficiency in certain amino acids which are precursors to neurotransmitters that affect these

behaviours are also suspected to contribute to the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

Exposure to toxic chemicals and trauma to the head are other potential causes.

How can acupuncture help?

Studies on acupuncture’s effectiveness on ADD/ADHD have mixed results. Some showing

more benefit than others.

Acupuncture encourages homeostasis of the nervous system and endocrine system which

means that it can be used to effectively control hyperactivity. It also helps with circulation,

digestion and immune system functioning which further adds to the effectiveness of the

treatment.



One study with 155 participants of which 58 took Ritalin

and 97 received acupuncture treatments found that

each group experienced the same success rate.

A difference arose, however, in how long the

effectiveness of the treatments lasted once they were

stopped. The acupuncture group had a success rate of

82% one month after treatments stopped while the

Ritalin group was down to 32% one month later.

(Becker, S. A., 2001)

Anxiety and trouble sleeping can also be eased by the

use of acupuncture. Acupuncture has been found to

increase melatonin production by the body, which is one

way it helps the body reach a deeper and more

regenerative sleep.

As with just about any disorder or disease quality food and exercise are always helpful in

managing symptoms.

How much therapies such as acupuncture can help is unique to each individual, but the good

news is that, unlike pharmaceuticals, these therapies are not going to come with harmful side

effects.

In fact, because alternative therapies encourage the body into homeostasis, there is often an

improvement in overall health of the body. A welcome side effect that makes these potentially

promising therapies worth trying!




BOOK NOW

About the Author

Emily Dunn studied in Ottawa to become a registered

acupuncturist and has additional training in Dr. Tan's Balance

Method, Master Tung's Points and facial rejuvenation for

cosmetic acupuncture. What inspires Emily as an acupuncturist is

the ability to use a millennia old, drug-free method to help

people relieve their symptoms and to facilitate natural healing.




How Can Acupuncture Help? References:

1. A Ritalin alternative: Acupuncture in the treatment of ADHD -Simon A.Becker, Blue Poppy

Press, Boulder, CO, Jan. 2001.

2. Chinese Medical Psychiatry: A Textbook & Clinical Manual -Bob Flaws & James Lake,

Blue Poppy Press, Boulder, CO, 2001.


To find out more about your health and how we can help you, come for a

complementary, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced health

coaches.

BOOK NOW




Date post:	22-May-2020
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